Rams release Vobora

Steve Virgen, steve.virgen@latimes.com

When David Vobora was Mr. Irrelevant in 2008 he spent some time at Disneyland. But no ride at the Happiest Place on Earth can compare to the one he's been on while in the NFL. It's been like a roller coaster for sure.

On Friday, Vobora, a linebacker, experienced a down part of his ride, as he was released by the St. Louis Rams. The transaction came after the Rams signed veteran linebacker Ben Leber.

There have been some ups too for Vobora, who starred at Idaho.

Vobora, the last pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Idaho, became the first Mr. Irrelevant to start an NFL game as a rookie since Marty Moore started at fullback for the New England Patriots in 1994. Vobora had overcome being released during his rookie year, and even made his way through the Rams' practice squad.

But in 2009, he was suspended for four games by the NFL after testing positive for a banned performance enhancer.

In June, Vobora won a $5.4 million settlement after he sued the supplement maker and had his named cleared.

Vobora started 16 games for the Rams during three seasons. He's now hoping there will be another up in his career.